Sightseeing in Paro, Bhutan

Paro Valley

Our first days in Bhutan were busy and filled with amazing sights. We couldn’t get enough of the architecture - buildings are uniformly square and painted white with relatively flat roofs. Swiss-style trim and paintings accentuate each home, office building and retail shop.

Decorated window - very typical

After landing early in the morning from Bangkok, we spent our first day visiting the National Museum (in which our guide’s photo is featured as archery champion in the early 80’s), Ta Dzong (a dzong is a fortress that houses an administrative center as well as serving as a monastery for monks) and some light shopping in downtown Paro.

There’s no shortage of breathtaking views of the valley

Children in Paro

The children, as they are in most developing countries, were eager to get our attention and to have their photos taken. They giggled and hammed it up when we showed them their photos on our digital cameras. We handed out candy treats that they all enjoyed immensely.

Home along twisty road in Paro

Though they are becoming more popular, vehicles are rare. The scenery along popular roads is bucolic, with twists and turns every nine seconds (or so it’s been reportedly documented!) and homes dot the landscape with the Himalaya’s foothills as a backdrop. I pined for my motorcycle - these would have been amazing roads for riding!

Next we’re on to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu.

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